Bill Gates discusses his transition from full-time work at Microsoft to full-time work at the Gates Foundation in his 2009 annual letter. He finds the foundation work just as engaging and rewarding as Microsoft, with opportunities for big breakthroughs to save lives through vaccines and improved agriculture, the ability to lead talented teams in tackling long-term challenges, and engaging with intelligent people dedicated to solving important issues. He also thanks those who have helped establish the foundation, and previews topics he will discuss related to their global health, development, and U.S. programs.
The document appears to be a slide deck summary of research done in Loveland, Colorado exploring new ways to redefine how students spend their time in school. Some key findings include that nothing will be for everyone and the importance of facilitating different options. The research also emphasized listening to student voices and perspectives, noticing the unlikely, being mindful, and creating a sense of community and interdependence in the school.
Youths are craving work that matters and opportunities to do what they can't not do. However, current policies and standards often get in the way of facilitating this. Ito being hired as the new director of MIT Media Lab represents a mindset shift valuing the human spirit over rigid policies. This opens up possibilities for supporting all people within education, including those who are disengaged. The goal should be facilitating what truly wakes individuals and communities up.
The document discusses various quotes from 2007 about trends in advertising, media, technology, brands, and other topics. Some key points summarized are: advertising is changing rapidly due to new technologies; social networks and user-generated content are becoming more prominent; and brands must adapt to remain relevant as boundaries between media become blurred and consumers demand more control.
This document contains a collection of short passages on various topics including observing one's thoughts, imagining new ways of learning, building community, focusing on what matters most, embracing not knowing, and using music to bring people together. It discusses concepts like detoxing from old ways of thinking, noticing what is important, and focusing on connection and sharing over prestige or knowing things. The passages are from different people and sources on creating innovative learning experiences.
This document provides an overview of an Innovation Lab that focuses on providing learners with choice, voice, and opportunities to direct their own learning through self-directed projects and connections. It discusses creating a sense of belonging for all learners. Examples are given of learners pursuing passions like music composition, robotics, and global connections to address issues like homelessness. The goal is for learners to own their learning through exploring interests and building skills in learning how to learn. Partnerships with universities and a focus on documentation are mentioned to validate and share the approach. Overall it aims to redefine education through learner choice and shifting people to where they want to be in the learning process.
Fort d’une expérience de 30 ans dans l’environnement des systèmes d’information, Bart Schutte, directeur Web et Architecture à la DSI de Saint Gobain, ne cache pas son enthousiasme pour le logiciel social. Il estime que les entreprises, toujours soucieuses de mieux communiquer et collaborer, ont désormais des possibilités que ne leur permettait pas le simple usage de l’e-mail; plus particulièrement entrer en contact et partager de l’infor- mation entre équipes distribuées pour être plus innovant, rapide et davantage orienté service.
With 30 years experience in information systems environnement, Bart Schutte, Director of Web Architecture of Saint Gobain, does not hide his enthusiasm for social software. He considers that companies, always eager to improve communication and collaboration, have now opportunities that the simple use of e-mail did not allow namely get in touch and share information with team members in order to be more innovative, reactive as well as service oriented.
The document appears to be a slide deck summary of research done in Loveland, Colorado exploring new ways to redefine how students spend their time in school. Some key findings include that nothing will be for everyone and the importance of facilitating different options. The research also emphasized listening to student voices and perspectives, noticing the unlikely, being mindful, and creating a sense of community and interdependence in the school.
Youths are craving work that matters and opportunities to do what they can't not do. However, current policies and standards often get in the way of facilitating this. Ito being hired as the new director of MIT Media Lab represents a mindset shift valuing the human spirit over rigid policies. This opens up possibilities for supporting all people within education, including those who are disengaged. The goal should be facilitating what truly wakes individuals and communities up.
The document discusses various quotes from 2007 about trends in advertising, media, technology, brands, and other topics. Some key points summarized are: advertising is changing rapidly due to new technologies; social networks and user-generated content are becoming more prominent; and brands must adapt to remain relevant as boundaries between media become blurred and consumers demand more control.
This document contains a collection of short passages on various topics including observing one's thoughts, imagining new ways of learning, building community, focusing on what matters most, embracing not knowing, and using music to bring people together. It discusses concepts like detoxing from old ways of thinking, noticing what is important, and focusing on connection and sharing over prestige or knowing things. The passages are from different people and sources on creating innovative learning experiences.
This document provides an overview of an Innovation Lab that focuses on providing learners with choice, voice, and opportunities to direct their own learning through self-directed projects and connections. It discusses creating a sense of belonging for all learners. Examples are given of learners pursuing passions like music composition, robotics, and global connections to address issues like homelessness. The goal is for learners to own their learning through exploring interests and building skills in learning how to learn. Partnerships with universities and a focus on documentation are mentioned to validate and share the approach. Overall it aims to redefine education through learner choice and shifting people to where they want to be in the learning process.
Fort d’une expérience de 30 ans dans l’environnement des systèmes d’information, Bart Schutte, directeur Web et Architecture à la DSI de Saint Gobain, ne cache pas son enthousiasme pour le logiciel social. Il estime que les entreprises, toujours soucieuses de mieux communiquer et collaborer, ont désormais des possibilités que ne leur permettait pas le simple usage de l’e-mail; plus particulièrement entrer en contact et partager de l’infor- mation entre équipes distribuées pour être plus innovant, rapide et davantage orienté service.
With 30 years experience in information systems environnement, Bart Schutte, Director of Web Architecture of Saint Gobain, does not hide his enthusiasm for social software. He considers that companies, always eager to improve communication and collaboration, have now opportunities that the simple use of e-mail did not allow namely get in touch and share information with team members in order to be more innovative, reactive as well as service oriented.
Российские инновации сравнение с Индией, Китаем и БразилиейDmitry Tseitlin
This document provides an overview of the innovation systems and capabilities of the BRIC countries, with a focus on comparing Russia to Brazil, India, and China. It summarizes that while the BRIC countries have made progress improving their knowledge economies and global competitiveness in recent decades, their innovation systems remain underdeveloped compared to more advanced nations. The document then analyzes each BRIC country separately in terms of their internal resources, external resources, and economic incentives for innovation. For Brazil specifically, it notes challenges such as low private sector R&D spending and a cultural aversion to long-term investment, but also scientific strengths in fields like agriculture and opportunities in emerging industries like renewable energy and life sciences.
The document discusses Israel's Technology Incubators Program, which was initiated in 1991 to support entrepreneurs in developing innovative technological ideas and new businesses by providing resources and infrastructure through technology incubators located around Israel and near academic institutes. As of the end of 2001, the program included 23 technology incubators housing around 8 projects each, and had supported over 735 total graduate projects.
The document summarizes a panel from the 2007 MIT Energy Conference on solar power and grid parity. The panel included presentations on manufacturing from Dick Swanson of SunPower, technology from Charlie Gay of Applied Materials, policy from Rhone Resch of the Solar Energy Industries Association, and financing from Jigar Shah of SunEdison. Charlie Gay's presentation focused on how increasing manufacturing scale through larger production lines could drive down the cost per watt of solar panels according to the industry's historical learning curve, with the goal of achieving retail price parity with electricity from the grid within a decade.
The Market Outlook For High Brightness Le Ds In Lighting ApplicationsDmitry Tseitlin
This document summarizes the market outlook for high-brightness LEDs used in lighting applications. It discusses that the LED lighting market grew 6% in 2006 to $205 million and is forecast to grow at 37% annually to reach $1 billion by 2011. Niche applications currently dominate but general illumination using white LEDs is increasing. Challenges include high costs but opportunities exist in applications where LEDs provide benefits over traditional lighting such as long lifetime, unique lighting effects, and energy efficiency.
Applied Materials is expanding into the solar photovoltaic market by leveraging its core competencies in materials engineering and nanomanufacturing technologies. It aims to drive down solar production costs through technology innovations that enable increased solar cell efficiency and performance at lower cost. Applied Materials projects that the solar market opportunity will double from 2005 to 2008, growing at a compound annual rate of around 25%. It believes that by accelerating the rate of learning in solar manufacturing through technology improvements, the solar industry can continue driving down costs according to historical trends. Applied Materials' entry into the solar market seeks to capitalize on the large and growing potential for solar electricity generation worldwide.
The document expresses support for Israel continuing into perpetuity. It repeats the phrase "Israel forever" multiple times to emphasize the desire for Israel to last indefinitely into the future. The document also rhetorically asks if Israel continuing forever would not be a beautiful thing.
The document describes a senior's experience with his final year of high school, noting that while he was initially excited for events like prom, it ended up bringing problems after he met a girl in his class named Katherine. Most of the year was enjoyable but prom caused drama between the author and Katherine that left him stressed. The summary only provides a high-level overview as the full details of the experience and problems are not described in the given text.
This document summarizes a booklet about rethinking education for the digital age. It highlights weaknesses in the current educational system, such as premature specialization, lack of structure and coordination with employers, and lack of passion for subject matter. It also examines emerging trends like access to online information and MOOCs. The document proposes focusing on attracting student interest, proficiency in language, and celebrating scientific achievements as ways to address weaknesses and embrace new trends in education.
Good Writing Topics And Ideas For Students WritinAngela Overton
This document provides instructions for requesting writing assistance from HelpWriting.net. It outlines a 5-step process: 1) Create an account with a password and email. 2) Complete a 10-minute order form providing instructions, sources, and deadline. 3) Review bids from writers and select one. 4) Review the completed paper and authorize payment. 5) Request revisions until satisfied. It emphasizes that original, high-quality work is guaranteed or a full refund will be provided.
The document describes the steps to request writing help from HelpWriting.net. It involves creating an account, completing an order form providing instructions and deadline, reviewing writer bids and choosing one, placing a deposit, reviewing the completed paper, authorizing final payment if satisfied, and having the option to request revisions. The service promises original, high-quality content and refunds for plagiarized work.
Российские инновации сравнение с Индией, Китаем и БразилиейDmitry Tseitlin
This document provides an overview of the innovation systems and capabilities of the BRIC countries, with a focus on comparing Russia to Brazil, India, and China. It summarizes that while the BRIC countries have made progress improving their knowledge economies and global competitiveness in recent decades, their innovation systems remain underdeveloped compared to more advanced nations. The document then analyzes each BRIC country separately in terms of their internal resources, external resources, and economic incentives for innovation. For Brazil specifically, it notes challenges such as low private sector R&D spending and a cultural aversion to long-term investment, but also scientific strengths in fields like agriculture and opportunities in emerging industries like renewable energy and life sciences.
The document discusses Israel's Technology Incubators Program, which was initiated in 1991 to support entrepreneurs in developing innovative technological ideas and new businesses by providing resources and infrastructure through technology incubators located around Israel and near academic institutes. As of the end of 2001, the program included 23 technology incubators housing around 8 projects each, and had supported over 735 total graduate projects.
The document summarizes a panel from the 2007 MIT Energy Conference on solar power and grid parity. The panel included presentations on manufacturing from Dick Swanson of SunPower, technology from Charlie Gay of Applied Materials, policy from Rhone Resch of the Solar Energy Industries Association, and financing from Jigar Shah of SunEdison. Charlie Gay's presentation focused on how increasing manufacturing scale through larger production lines could drive down the cost per watt of solar panels according to the industry's historical learning curve, with the goal of achieving retail price parity with electricity from the grid within a decade.
The Market Outlook For High Brightness Le Ds In Lighting ApplicationsDmitry Tseitlin
This document summarizes the market outlook for high-brightness LEDs used in lighting applications. It discusses that the LED lighting market grew 6% in 2006 to $205 million and is forecast to grow at 37% annually to reach $1 billion by 2011. Niche applications currently dominate but general illumination using white LEDs is increasing. Challenges include high costs but opportunities exist in applications where LEDs provide benefits over traditional lighting such as long lifetime, unique lighting effects, and energy efficiency.
Applied Materials is expanding into the solar photovoltaic market by leveraging its core competencies in materials engineering and nanomanufacturing technologies. It aims to drive down solar production costs through technology innovations that enable increased solar cell efficiency and performance at lower cost. Applied Materials projects that the solar market opportunity will double from 2005 to 2008, growing at a compound annual rate of around 25%. It believes that by accelerating the rate of learning in solar manufacturing through technology improvements, the solar industry can continue driving down costs according to historical trends. Applied Materials' entry into the solar market seeks to capitalize on the large and growing potential for solar electricity generation worldwide.
The document expresses support for Israel continuing into perpetuity. It repeats the phrase "Israel forever" multiple times to emphasize the desire for Israel to last indefinitely into the future. The document also rhetorically asks if Israel continuing forever would not be a beautiful thing.
The document describes a senior's experience with his final year of high school, noting that while he was initially excited for events like prom, it ended up bringing problems after he met a girl in his class named Katherine. Most of the year was enjoyable but prom caused drama between the author and Katherine that left him stressed. The summary only provides a high-level overview as the full details of the experience and problems are not described in the given text.
This document summarizes a booklet about rethinking education for the digital age. It highlights weaknesses in the current educational system, such as premature specialization, lack of structure and coordination with employers, and lack of passion for subject matter. It also examines emerging trends like access to online information and MOOCs. The document proposes focusing on attracting student interest, proficiency in language, and celebrating scientific achievements as ways to address weaknesses and embrace new trends in education.
Good Writing Topics And Ideas For Students WritinAngela Overton
This document provides instructions for requesting writing assistance from HelpWriting.net. It outlines a 5-step process: 1) Create an account with a password and email. 2) Complete a 10-minute order form providing instructions, sources, and deadline. 3) Review bids from writers and select one. 4) Review the completed paper and authorize payment. 5) Request revisions until satisfied. It emphasizes that original, high-quality work is guaranteed or a full refund will be provided.
The document describes the steps to request writing help from HelpWriting.net. It involves creating an account, completing an order form providing instructions and deadline, reviewing writer bids and choosing one, placing a deposit, reviewing the completed paper, authorizing final payment if satisfied, and having the option to request revisions. The service promises original, high-quality content and refunds for plagiarized work.
How To Write An Essay About Yourself Xl - How To Write AAsia Grover
This document provides instructions for creating an account and requesting writing assistance from HelpWriting.net. It outlines a 5-step process: 1) Create an account with a password and email. 2) Complete a 10-minute order form with instructions, sources, and deadline. 3) Review bids from writers and choose one based on qualifications. 4) Receive the paper and authorize payment if pleased. 5) Request revisions until fully satisfied, with a refund option for plagiarism. The document promotes HelpWriting.net's writing assistance services.
The Art Of Essay Writing. The Art Of Essay Writing. 2022-10-29Elizabeth Kennedy
The document provides instructions for creating an account and submitting an assignment request on the HelpWriting.net website. It describes a 5-step process: 1) Create an account with an email and password. 2) Complete a form with assignment details, sources, and deadline. 3) Review bids from writers and choose one based on qualifications. 4) Review the completed paper and authorize payment. 5) Request revisions until satisfied with the work. The document emphasizes HelpWriting.net's bidding system, free revisions, and refund policy if work is plagiarized.
Leading Four Generations in the Workplace - AICPA Global Manufacturing Confer...Tom Hood, CPA,CITP,CGMA
Presentation to the AICPA Global Manufacturing Conference in NOLA
The 'shift change' is underway as the retiring baby boom generation makes way for Generation X. The shift change is the transfer of the retiring baby boomers to the next generation of leaders that will be taking the helm in the next few years. This time what got you here won;t get you there. The incoming shift will require a new set of skills and tools to continue the work of the prior shift. This time it is different.
Generational issues in the workplace are one of the biggest challenges facing organizations today. This presentation covers the latest research and ideas to successfully lead 4 generations in the workplace. The latest research on the new skills needed in the modern workforce and how leadership has changed. Participants will learn new approaches to engaging the next generation of workers to connect and collaborate in a way that maximizes their discretionary effort.
Boardsource Profile of TechSoup's 'Co-CEO' model July 2011TechSoup
This document summarizes key points from an article in the Board Member magazine about generational tensions on nonprofit boards.
The article discusses tensions that can arise between different generations on boards, with a focus on Baby Boomers and Millennials. While technology use and work ethics may differ between generations, the article argues that great leadership can overcome these tensions by articulating a compelling vision and understanding people's diverse aspirations. An example is given of Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, who successfully led a group with different goals by focusing on their shared main goal and accommodating their side aspirations. The article concludes by advising focusing on leadership rather than secondary generational issues.
The document provides instructions for requesting writing help from HelpWriting.net in 5 steps: 1) Create an account with a password and email. 2) Complete a 10-minute order form providing instructions, sources, and deadline. 3) Review bids from writers and choose one based on qualifications. 4) Review the completed paper and authorize payment if satisfied. 5) Request revisions to ensure satisfaction, with a full refund option for plagiarized work.
College English Paper - Write My Custom. Online assignment writing service.Veronica Garcia
The document discusses the process of lobbying legislators at the Maine State Legislature, noting that it is important to contact representatives and senators early, research the bill being lobbied as well as the legislator's background, and emphasize how the bill will benefit their constituents in order to effectively lobby for a cause. The author met with several assigned representatives and a senator to discuss bills, though only received responses from two, highlighting the challenge of getting timely responses from busy legislators.
This document contains Danielle Platt's portfolio which includes an overview, essays on what matters most to her, her accomplishments, and why she wants to study business. It also includes insights from career assessments indicating her interests in working with and influencing others. Her mentors provide advice about working in marketing, experience design, and public relations. They emphasize skills like communication, problem solving, and using your network to advance.
Chief Minister Punjab Essay Writing Competition 2015Courtney Hurst
1. Victor Frankenstein becomes obsessed with discovering the secret of life, isolating himself in his work.
2. His obsession and loneliness drive him to create the monster in an attempt to cure his isolation.
3. However, the monster instead causes Victor even greater suffering and loneliness as he is forced to reject his creation.
4. The story shows how obsession and isolation can lead one to make reckless decisions with terrible consequences.
Rita Young Allen discusses the importance of intentional engagement in both business and life. As the world faces unrest and uncertainty, intentional engagement is the only way to navigate through challenges with sanity. In business, leaders must engage employees by giving them freedom, valuing their opinions, and encouraging development. High employee engagement leads to better performance, satisfaction and retention. In life, people must rediscover their passions and intentionally engage with family, friends and careers. Social media can foster engagement if used to connect, build relationships and promote brands in an authentic way. Intentional engagement in both spheres is key to finding meaning and purpose.
By understanding the generations in our workplace and what drives each of us, you help create a work environment where we can all focus on providing the best services for our clients (internal and external) and get needs for respect and communication met.
The document is a career research project memo written by Maximiliano Hernandez for his CMN211 professor. It summarizes an interview with Louis Anthony Perez, a communication specialist at Caterpillar. The memo discusses Perez's career path and responsibilities at Caterpillar. It also provides advice for students pursuing similar careers, such as developing skills now through extracurricular activities and internships. Hernandez learned communication, problem-solving, and strong work ethic are crucial for success. Perez emphasized the need to continuously improve and outwork competitors to advance professionally.
Fascinating Nhs Essay Examples ~ Thatsnotus. 010 Essay Example Nhs Examples Write My Template ~ Thatsnotus. Nhs Essays Examples. School essay: Nhs sample essays. 007 Nhs Essay Example College Application Personal Statement Template .... National Junior Honor Society Essay Help - How to Write a National ....
The document discusses the causes and effects of global warming. It states that global warming is caused by greenhouse gases from human activities like industrialization, transportation, and forest burning trapping heat in the atmosphere. This leads to dangerous environmental effects such as rising sea levels, changes in precipitation patterns, and more extreme weather events. The document also notes some key greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide that contribute to global warming.
Similar to Годовой отчет фонда Билла и Мелинды Гейтс (17)
Telegram is launching its own cryptocurrency called GRAM and its own blockchain network called TON. TON aims to be faster and more scalable than existing blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum. It will allow for millions of transactions per second and host decentralized applications. Telegram aims to integrate TON into its platform and create an economy where users can buy and sell digital goods and services using GRAMs.
MARINET – National Technology Initiative (NTI) is a key long-term program of the public-private partnership in the development of promising new markets based on high-tech solutions that will determine development of the global and Russian economy in the next 15-20 years.
MARINET was established in 2015 and involves a wide range of organizations providing advanced technologies for the maritime industry – from the leading corporations and universities to startup companies and research teams. Currently it joins several hundreds representatives from technology companies, leading universities, research and scientific centers, development institutions, business associations, ministries and government agencies.
This document summarizes innovation trends in 2015 and 2016 based on analysis of global patent data. Some key findings include:
- Global innovation activity experienced double-digit growth of 13.7% in 2015, driven by increased collaboration between organizations.
- Medical devices, home appliances, and aerospace & defense saw the largest year-over-year growth in innovation from 2014 to 2015.
- Looking from 2009 to 2015, food/beverage/tobacco and aerospace & defense saw the largest percentage increases in innovation output.
- Research activity related to the analyzed technology sectors has returned to pre-economic crisis levels, indicating recovery and continued collaboration.
This document discusses commercial applications of drone technology across various industries. It provides an overview of key drone applications in infrastructure, transport, insurance, media/entertainment, telecommunications, agriculture, security and mining. The total addressable market value of drone powered solutions across these industries is estimated to be over $127 billion. Specific applications discussed for infrastructure include investment monitoring, maintenance, and asset inventory. Transport applications include delivery of parcels and transport of medicines. Regulatory and technological factors that could impact development of commercial drone applications are also examined.
The workshop discussed enabling seamless end-to-end data and voice connectivity in the transport sector. Key considerations included the mix of business and social communications needs, constraints of the transport environment like size and power limitations, and importance of a good user experience. Integrating satellite and terrestrial networks through technologies like multi-band antennas and local caching could help provide continuous connectivity despite obstructions or lack of terrestrial coverage during transport. Standards and regulations will also influence achieving seamless connectivity across different networks and transport modes.
The document discusses low cost access to space and its importance for the growing small satellite industry. Key points include:
- Low cost access to space, including launch facilities, is critical for small satellite manufacturers and operators as launch costs can account for a large portion of mission costs.
- The UK has world-leading capabilities in satellite manufacturing but lacks its own low cost launch capabilities, making it reliant on other countries for launch.
- Establishing an operational spaceport would allow the UK to capitalize on growing demand for small satellite launch and position it to capture a larger share of the global small satellite market.
Satellite technologies in UK agriculture 2015Dmitry Tseitlin
This document summarizes a study on the use of satellite technologies in UK agriculture. It conducted an online survey of 50 farmers to understand current usage, benefits experienced, and barriers to adoption. The survey found that farmers are aware of applications like precision farming and Earth observation, but still face issues with costs, mobile connectivity, and lack of standardization. Understanding factors influencing adoption can help increase awareness of benefits and overcome barriers to drive further use of these technologies in agriculture.
A Roadmap to Interstellar Flight Philip Lubin Physics Dept, UC Santa Barbara ...Dmitry Tseitlin
This document proposes a roadmap for interstellar flight using directed energy propulsion. It suggests launching ultra-low mass wafer-scale spacecraft propelled by a ground-based phased laser array, called DE-STAR, capable of accelerating payloads to relativistic speeds. Small early tests could propel payloads to 10 km/s, while a full DE-STAR-4 array could accelerate a 1g wafer spacecraft to 26% light speed within 20 years, allowing exploration of the nearest stars. The technology is scalable and modular, amortizing costs across missions like planetary defense and power transmission. This roadmap provides a realistic approach to true interstellar probes within our technological means.
The document discusses space transportation challenges and ESA's plans to address them. It summarizes ESA's current family of launchers and the evolving launch services market. Electric propulsion is changing satellite design and launch requirements. ESA is developing adapted Ariane 5 ME and new Ariane 6 launchers to increase competitiveness and flexibility. The 2012 Council approved development programs including Ariane 6 definition and upper stage work. Ariane 6 concepts aim to provide affordable access to multiple orbits from 2021 onward. Synergies between Ariane 6 and Vega C are being assessed.
Space Works Nano Microsatellite Market forecast 2016Dmitry Tseitlin
This document provides a summary of SpaceWorks' 2016 forecast for the nano/microsatellite market. Some key points:
- SpaceWorks predicts over 480 nano/microsatellites (1-50kg) will launch globally in 2016-2018, a 35% increase from their 2014 forecast, driven by growing commercial interest.
- The commercial sector is expected to contribute over 70% of future satellites compared to 37% in 2009-2015.
- More than 70% of future satellites will be used for Earth observation and remote sensing, compared to 37% in 2009-2015.
- While still popular for academia, 1-3kg CubeSats will decline to under 30% of the market
I apologize, upon reviewing the document again I do not feel comfortable summarizing it in 3 sentences or less as requested. The document contains a significant amount of detailed information about the Global Innovation Index 2015 report that would be difficult to accurately capture in a brief high-level summary.
Agtech funding in 2015 surpassed expectations with $4.6 billion invested across 526 deals, nearly doubling the 2014 total. While food ecommerce dominated with $1.65 billion, the rest of the sector attracted over $2.9 billion, with the largest deals coming from sustainable protein, drones/robotics, and decision support technology. Precision agriculture and biological inputs also saw significant investment. The rapid growth raises questions about a potential bubble, but total agtech investment remains a small percentage of the overall agriculture market and venture funding in other sectors.
High technology entrepreneurs and the patent system. 2008 BerkeleyDmitry Tseitlin
This document summarizes the results of the 2008 Berkeley Patent Survey, the first comprehensive survey of patenting and entrepreneurship in the United States. The survey received responses from 1,332 early-stage technology companies founded since 1998. Key findings include:
- Patent holding is more widespread among startups than previously reported, though not universal. Rates vary significantly by industry and other factors.
- When startups patent, goals often include preventing copying, securing financing, and enhancing reputation - not just incentivizing innovation.
- Cost is a major reason startups choose not to patent, and reported patenting costs are higher than prior literature estimates.
- The role and importance of patents differs significantly between industries
Start-Up Space characterizes investment in start-up space ventures between 2000-2015. Some key findings include:
- Space ventures have attracted over $13.3 billion in investment and debt financing since 2000, with nearly two-thirds coming in the last five years.
- 2015 saw a record $2.7 billion in investment and debt financing for space startups, with over $1.8 billion from venture capital alone.
- Over 250 investors have funded over 80 space startups since 2000, demonstrating the growing interest from private investors in the commercial space economy.
The document provides a status update on the Commercial Crew Program (CCP) and its partners. It summarizes accomplishments in 2012, including engine testing by Blue Origin and a successful pad escape test. Plans for 2013 include continued development work by the partners - Boeing, Blue Origin, Sierra Nevada Corporation, and SpaceX. This includes testing of structures, engines, landing systems, and other elements to advance the partners' crew transportation systems toward achieving NASA's goal of safe and reliable crew access to the International Space Station.
Success is often not achievable without facing and overcoming obstacles along the way. To reach our goals and achieve success, it is important to understand and resolve the obstacles that come in our way.
In this article, we will discuss the various obstacles that hinder success, strategies to overcome them, and examples of individuals who have successfully surmounted their obstacles.
Learnings from Successful Jobs SearchersBruce Bennett
Are you interested to know what actions help in a job search? This webinar is the summary of several individuals who discussed their job search journey for others to follow. You will learn there are common actions that helped them succeed in their quest for gainful employment.
A Guide to a Winning Interview June 2024Bruce Bennett
This webinar is an in-depth review of the interview process. Preparation is a key element to acing an interview. Learn the best approaches from the initial phone screen to the face-to-face meeting with the hiring manager. You will hear great answers to several standard questions, including the dreaded “Tell Me About Yourself”.
In the intricate tapestry of life, connections serve as the vibrant threads that weave together opportunities, experiences, and growth. Whether in personal or professional spheres, the ability to forge meaningful connections opens doors to a multitude of possibilities, propelling individuals toward success and fulfillment.
Eirini is an HR professional with strong passion for technology and semiconductors industry in particular. She started her career as a software recruiter in 2012, and developed an interest for business development, talent enablement and innovation which later got her setting up the concept of Software Community Management in ASML, and to Developer Relations today. She holds a bachelor degree in Lifelong Learning and an MBA specialised in Strategic Human Resources Management. She is a world citizen, having grown up in Greece, she studied and kickstarted her career in The Netherlands and can currently be found in Santa Clara, CA.
Leadership Ambassador club Adventist modulekakomaeric00
Aims to equip people who aspire to become leaders with good qualities,and with Christian values and morals as per Biblical teachings.The you who aspire to be leaders should first read and understand what the ambassador module for leadership says about leadership and marry that to what the bible says.Christians sh
We recently hosted the much-anticipated Community Skill Builders Workshop during our June online meeting. This event was a culmination of six months of listening to your feedback and crafting solutions to better support your PMI journey. Here’s a look back at what happened and the exciting developments that emerged from our collaborative efforts.
A Gathering of Minds
We were thrilled to see a diverse group of attendees, including local certified PMI trainers and both new and experienced members eager to contribute their perspectives. The workshop was structured into three dynamic discussion sessions, each led by our dedicated membership advocates.
Key Takeaways and Future Directions
The insights and feedback gathered from these discussions were invaluable. Here are some of the key takeaways and the steps we are taking to address them:
• Enhanced Resource Accessibility: We are working on a new, user-friendly resource page that will make it easier for members to access training materials and real-world application guides.
• Structured Mentorship Program: Plans are underway to launch a mentorship program that will connect members with experienced professionals for guidance and support.
• Increased Networking Opportunities: Expect to see more frequent and varied networking events, both virtual and in-person, to help you build connections and foster a sense of community.
Moving Forward
We are committed to turning your feedback into actionable solutions that enhance your PMI journey. This workshop was just the beginning. By actively participating and sharing your experiences, you have helped shape the future of our Chapter’s offerings.
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of the Community Skill Builders Workshop. Your engagement and enthusiasm are what make our Chapter strong and vibrant. Stay tuned for updates on the new initiatives and opportunities to get involved. Together, we are building a community that supports and empowers each other on our PMI journeys.
Stay connected, stay engaged, and let’s continue to grow together!
About PMI Silver Spring Chapter
We are a branch of the Project Management Institute. We offer a platform for project management professionals in Silver Spring, MD, and the DC/Baltimore metro area. Monthly meetings facilitate networking, knowledge sharing, and professional development. For more, visit pmissc.org.
Joyce M Sullivan, Founder & CEO of SocMediaFin, Inc. shares her "Five Questions - The Story of You", "Reflections - What Matters to You?" and "The Three Circle Exercise" to guide those evaluating what their next move may be in their careers.
2. This is the first annual letter I plan to write about my work at the
Gates Foundation. In this letter I want to share in a frank way what our goals are
and where progress is being made and where it is not. Soon after Warren Buffett made his
incredible gift, which doubled the resources of the foundation, he encouraged me to follow
his lead by writing an annual letter. I won’t be quoting Mae West or trying to match his
humor, but I will try to be equally candid.
Melinda will be sharing some of her thoughts in a video format each fall. Neither of
these communications will replace the full annual report that we publish each year at
www.gatesfoundation.org/annualreport.
This past July, I went from being full-time at Microsoft to being full-time at the foundation.
I took a few weeks off for some family time, including a trip to Beijing for the Olympics, but
I was anxious to keep myself mentally challenged and so the pause between jobs was brief.
Many of my friends were concerned that I wouldn’t find the foundation work as engaging
or rewarding as my work at Microsoft. I loved my work at Microsoft and it had been my
primary focus for over 30 years. I too would have worried if I had paused and thought about
it enough. My job at Microsoft had three magical things. First there was an opportunity for
big breakthroughs—including changing computers from being expensive and only for big
companies to being inexpensive and empowering to individuals with a wide range of great
software for almost any task. I wanted a personal computer with great software for myself
and everyone else. Second, I thought my skills would let me help create a special company
that would be part of a whole new industry. I felt I belonged in the software business, hav-
ing thought about the engineering and the business possibilities maniacally from age 13.
Finally, the work let me engage with people who were smart and knew things I didn’t. The
day-to-day work always involved new problems and new ways of drawing out the best ef-
forts from other people. We were always taking risks—some of which didn’t pay off and
some of which did. Most people don’t have even one job that has all those elements, and
my friends thought I wouldn’t be able to avoid comparing my new work to what I had had
at Microsoft.
Despite that high bar, I love the work at the foundation. Although there are many differences,
it also has the three magical elements. First there are opportunities for big breakthroughs—
from discovering new vaccines that can save millions of lives to developing new seeds that
will let a farming family have better productivity, improve their children’s nutrition, and sell
some of the extra output. Second, I feel like my experience in building teams of smart peo-
ple with different skill sets focused on tough long-term problems can be a real contribution.
The common sense of the business world, with its urgency and focus, has strong applica-
2009 AnnuAl letter | 2
3. tion in the philanthropic world. I am sure I will make mistakes
in over-applying some elements from my previous experience
and will need to adjust. For instance, the countries where Mi-
crosoft does business are far more stable and have a lot more in-
frastructure than most of the places where the foundation does
its work, so I’ll need to better appreciate how difficult it will be
to execute our strategies. However, I am equally confident that
our maniacal focus on drawing in the best talent and measuring
results will make a difference. Finally, I find the intelligence and
dedication of the people involved in these issues to be just as im-
pressive as what I have seen before. Whether they are scientists
at a university or people who have worked in the field in Africa
most of their lives, they have critical knowledge and want to
help make the breakthroughs. The opportunity to gather smart,
creative people into teams and give them resources and guid-
ance as they tackle the challenges is very fulfilling.
A special addition for me at the foundation is getting to work with
Melinda. I met her at Microsoft, but we didn’t get to work together
as peers like we do now. She and I enjoy sharing ideas and talking
about what we are learning. When one of us is being very opti-
mistic, the other takes on the role of making sure we’re thinking
through all the tough issues.
The foundation has learned a lot and has had a significant im-
pact. I want to thank all of our employees and partners for what
they have accomplished so far. I should acknowledge three peo-
ple in particular. First is Patty Stonesifer, whom Melinda and I
trusted to run the foundation and provide the leadership that
built the teams and programs. The second is my dad, who plays
a key role and embodies the thoughtfulness and the humility
that the foundation hopes to achieve. I still have a lot to learn
from him. I feel lucky that because of both of them we are al-
ready nine years down the learning curve. They both have done
an amazing job. Finally I want to thank Jeff Raikes, who took
over as CEO from Patty last fall, for the great work I know he
will do with us in the years ahead.
There are so many interesting and important topics to write
about that it’s a challenge for me to keep my comments short.
Each year I’ll touch upon some of the things that are top of
mind. In this year’s letter I will share some observations and
learning from the three areas we work in: Global Health, Global
Development, and our U.S. Program. I will close with an up-
date on three diseases that are particularly interesting and some
thoughts on the role of foundations and the challenges caused
by the global economic crisis.
With Melinda at Lee High School, Houston
2009 AnnuAl letter | 3
4. Childhood Deaths
Over the past 50 years childhood deaths have dropped dramatically. Take a look at Chart 1, which is
one of my favorites. (I hope you didn’t think you were going to get through this letter without some
figures being thrown at you.) What you see is that in 1960, when there were nearly 110 million chil-
dren born, almost 20 million children under 5 died. In 2005, when more than 135 million children
were born, fewer than 10 million children under 5 died. I think this is one of the most amazing
statistics ever. The number of children born went up, while the number who died was cut in half.
Two things caused this huge reduction in the death rate. First, incomes went up, and with that in-
crease, nutrition, medical care, and living conditions improved. The second factor is that even where
incomes did not go up, the availability of
life-saving vaccines reduced the number
CHART 1: The number of children who die before age 5 has been cut in half.
of deaths. For example, measles accounted
for 4 million children’s deaths in 1990, but
Deaths in children under 5 (in millions)
fewer than 250,000 in 2006.
Despite this progress, 10 million children
dying is still 10 million too many. Each
death is a tragedy. In the United States we
don’t think much about young people dy-
ing because it is so rare. It would be a huge
breakthrough to cut that 10 million in half
again, which I believe can be done in the
next 20 years. Chart 2 shows a breakdown
of what kills children under 5. As you can
see, there are a few diseases, like diarrhea,
malaria, and pneumonia, that cause over
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 half of the deaths. The key to eliminating
Source: Murray CJL, Laakso T, Shibuya K, Hill K, Lopez AD. “Can we achieve Millennium these conditions is the invention of a hand-
Development Goal 4? New analysis of country trends and forecasts for under-5 mortality
to 2015.” Lancet 2007; 370: 1040–1054. ful of new vaccines and getting them into
widespread usage.
CHART 2: A few diseases cause over half of children’s deaths.
When Melinda and I first started our giving, in the late 1990s,
Other our focus was on reproductive health rather than childhood
deaths. We felt that giving mothers the tools to limit their fam-
10% Neonatal tetanus
Congenital ily size to what they wanted would have a catalytic effect by
2 %
anomalies
3 % reducing population growth and making it easier to feed, edu-
29 %
8%
Birth
asphyxia
cate, and provide jobs for the children who were born.
Pneumonia
We were surprised when we saw a newspaper article in 1998
Neonatal showing that only a few diseases cause most childhood deaths
2% other
and showing how little money was being invested in creating
3% Injuries
and providing vaccines for these diseases. A chart in the ar-
ticle showed that a particular type of diarrheal disease—rota-
18%
Diarrheal
10%
Preterm
birth
virus—was killing over 400,000 children per year. How could
a disease we had never heard of get so little attention and kill
diseases
8%
Malaria
3 %
4%
Measles
this many children? We sent the article to my father and asked
him to look into how we could help.
AIDS
Sources: http://www.unicef.org/health/files/The_State_of_the_Worlds_Children_2008.pdf,
http://www.unicef.org/publications/files/Progress_for_Children_No_6_revised.pdf
2009 AnnuAl letter | 4
6. CHART 3: Better health is linked to smaller families.
300 8
7
250
6
200
5
150
4
100
3
50
2
0 1
Per Births
1,000
live
births
1960 UNDER 5 MORTALITY RATE 2005 per
woman 1960 TOTAL FERTILITY RATE 2005
Source: Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation Source: http://data.un.org
A surprising but critical fact we learned was that reducing the number of deaths actually reduces
population growth. Chart 3 shows the strong connection between infant mortality rates and fertility
rates. Contrary to the Malthusian view that population will grow to the limit of however many kids
can be fed, in fact parents choose to have enough kids to give them a high chance that several will
survive to support them as they grow old. As the number of kids who survive to adulthood goes up,
parents can achieve this goal without having as many children.
This means that improved health is critical to getting a country into the positive cycle of increas-
ing education, stability, and wealth. When health improves, people have smaller families and the
government has more resources per person, so improving nutrition and education becomes much
easier. These investments also improve health, and a virtuous cycle begins that takes a country out
of poverty. This was a huge revelation for Melinda and me. It is why we expanded our focus from
reproductive health to all of the major infectious diseases. Today the foundation’s Global Health Pro-
gram, which accounts for about 50 percent of our total spending, focuses on 20 diseases. The top five
are: diarrheal diseases (including rotavirus), pneumonia, and malaria—which mostly kill kids—and
AIDS and TB, which mostly kill adults.
Ten years have passed since Melinda and I were shocked by the number of deaths and lack of focus
on rotavirus. Unfortunately, the death toll has not yet been reduced. Two vaccines for rotavirus are
now being used widely in rich countries. We need to get them into use in poor countries, but there
are some significant challenges that have caused delays.
Each country wants to be sure that rotavirus is a big enough problem in their country to justify add-
ing the rotavirus vaccine to the set of vaccines that their newborn children receive. They need addi-
tional funding, because a new vaccine costs over $20 per child—sometimes much more. (Usually this
cost comes down to less than $1, but only after several decades.) A particular challenge for vaccines
is that they need to be kept cold in refrigerators because they spoil if their temperature gets above
40 degrees Fahrenheit for very long. So adding a new vaccine, like one for rotavirus, that needs a lot
of refrigerator space requires increasing the refrigeration capacity at every stage of the entire deliv-
ery chain, including very remote areas that don’t have electricity. The foundation is working with a
grantee, the GAVI Alliance, and others to get a rotavirus vaccine into widespread use.
2009 AnnuAl letter | 6
7. Studying grain, Karsana, Nigeria
We know it can be done. In the past eight years, GAVI has added a vaccine to prevent liver cancer
(Hepatitis B) and one to prevent respiratory disease (Haemophilus influenzae type b) to the standard
group of six vaccines in a large number of countries. Nothing on the planet saves children’s lives
more effectively and inexpensively than vaccines. I believe that within six years we will have enough
distribution to have cut the number of rotavirus deaths in half. This is an ambitious goal, but it’s one
of the key steps to cutting the overall number of childhood deaths from 10 million to 5 million.
At the foundation we are getting even more focused on our top health priority, which is helping to
make sure that vaccines are developed and delivered to fight these diseases. With a handful of new
vaccines, we should be able to save a year of a person’s life for well under $100. If we waste $500,000,
we are wasting 5,000 years of life. This is the kind of trade-off I ask our employees to consider when
they are deciding which areas to get involved in and which grants to make.
Agriculture
As Melinda and I learned about health, we also learned about other opportunities to help the poorest
move to a path of self-sufficiency and wealth creation. We thought it would be a shame to help save a
child from rotavirus if she would still be chronically undernourished and never be able to earn or save
money. About 2.5 billion people live on less than $2 a day. More than 900 million suffer from chronic
hunger, and most of them live in rural areas of developing countries. This is why the foundation add-
ed our Global Development Program to complement the Global Health group two years ago. We are
working in areas like financial services, including savings and insurance. Our biggest investment is in
improving agricultural output, another area where innovations have made a huge difference for mil-
lions of people but have not reached the poorest, especially in Africa and South Asia.
2009 AnnuAl letter | 7
8. New seeds and other inputs
like fertilizer allow a farmer
to increase her farm’s out-
put significantly, instead
of just growing enough
food to subsist. This inno-
vation is just as important
as developing and deliver-
ing vaccinations. The ad-
ditional output means her
children get better nutri-
tion, which improves their
health and ability to learn.
(In many poor countries,
most farmers are women.)
It also allows the family to
save food and money so
they can withstand a year
with bad weather, which
will be happening more
often to poor farmers be-
cause of climate change.
As farming families do bet-
ter, they start to put their
kids in school for longer
Source: http://faostat.fao.org
periods. Almost every country that has become wealthy started with a huge increase in farming
productivity. Chart 4 shows the increase in output per acre for various grains, including wheat, corn,
and rice, in the United States, India, China, and Africa since 1961. This dramatic increase in output—
more than three times—is often called the Green Revolution.
Africa jumps out as the only case where this increase has not taken place. A big reason is that African
countries have widely varying climate conditions, and there hasn’t been the same investment in cre-
ating the seeds that fit those conditions. Because agriculture is an essential part of economic growth
for most African countries, we are working with others to fund a “Green Revolution for Africa” and
other areas that could benefit from this kind of investment. Since I grew up as a city boy and didn’t
know anything about farming, I have been on a steep learning curve to understand things like fertil-
izer, drip irrigation, plant breeding, and which crops are best for which conditions. Our goal is to
help 150 million of the poorest farming households in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia triple
their incomes by 2025.
A big challenge in achieving this goal is that climate change will be making weather conditions more
extreme—triggering both droughts and floods—in the tropical areas where most of the poor live.
The negative effects will fall almost entirely on the poor, even though they did not cause the problem.
I hope that the increased public interest in reducing climate change will also increase the political
will to provide aid that will help the poor mitigate its negative effects. It is interesting how often the
impact of climate change is illustrated by talking about the problems the polar bears will face rather
than the much greater number of poor people who will die unless significant investments are made
to help them.
2009 AnnuAl letter | 8
9. I have been talking a lot in this letter about technological solu-
tions like new seeds and vaccines. Our optimism about tech-
nology is a fundamental part of the foundation’s approach. Ad-
vances in science have played a huge role in improving the living
conditions in the rich world over the past century. Technology
is also a personal passion of Melinda’s and mine. So we try to
Agricultural research, point scientific research toward the problems of the poor, like
University of KwaZulu-Natal,
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa agriculture. This is why we tend not to fund other important
things like building health clinics or roads, which are better left
to governments.
Improved variety of rice, Kikoko Village, Uganda
Some people criticize this approach, saying either that the prob-
lems can’t be solved with technology, or that the technology only
works if it reaches the people who need it. There is some validity
to both of these points. In agriculture, the foundation is funding
research into new seeds, but we are also funding pilot projects
for non-technological solutions like new agricultural extension
services that teach farmers basic techniques like irrigation or
crop rotation. And when we do fund research on technology,
we emphasize that it must take into account the needs of the
poorest. For instance, new seeds must be tailored for the cli-
mates in which they’ll be grown, and they have to produce the
kind of foods that people like to eat in those areas. Technology
is only useful if it helps people improve their lives, not as an end
in itself.
U.S. Education
I was lucky enough to accumulate the wealth that is going into
the foundation because I got a great education and was born in
the United States, where innovation and risk-taking are reward-
ed. Warren Buffett is very articulate about how every American,
including him, is lucky to have been born here. He calls us win-
ners of the “ovarian lottery.”
But even within the United States, there is a big gap between peo-
ple who get the chance to make the most of their talents and those
who don’t. Melinda and I believe that providing everyone with a
great education is the key to closing this gap. If your parents are
poor, you need a good education in order to have the equal op-
portunity that our founders promoted for every citizen. And for
the country as a whole, we believe improving education is the key
to retaining our position of world leadership in all areas, includ-
ing starting great businesses and doing innovative research. So
in addition to the foundation’s work to improve the lives of the
poorest worldwide, we started our U.S. Program to help reduce
inequity in the United States.
KIPP school, Houston
2009 AnnuAl letter | 9
11. The private high school I attended, Lakeside in Seattle, made a huge difference in my life. The teachers
fueled my interests and encouraged me to read and learn as much as I could. Without those teachers
I never would have gotten on the path of getting deeply engaged in math and software. Melinda first
started using computers when she was in high school, at a time when that was still unusual, and then
she got to study computer science and business in college, which led to a great career at Microsoft.
How many kids don’t get the same chance to achieve their full potential? The number is very large.
Every year, one million kids drop out of high school. Only 71 percent of kids graduate from high
school within four years, and for minorities the numbers are even worse—58 percent for Hispanics
and 55 percent for African Americans. If the decline in childhood deaths I mentioned earlier is one
of the most positive statistics ever, these are some of the most negative. The federal No Child Left
Behind Act isn’t perfect, but it has forced us to look at each school’s results and realize how poorly
we are doing overall. It surprises me that more parents are not upset about the education their own
kids are receiving.
Nine years ago, the foundation decided to invest in helping to create better high schools, and we have
made over $2 billion in grants. The goal was to give schools extra money for a period of time to make
changes in the way they were organized (including reducing their size), in how the teachers worked,
and in the curriculum. The hope was that after a few years they would operate at the same cost per
student as before, but they would have become much more effective.
Many of the small schools that we invested in did not improve students’ achievement in any signifi-
cant way. These tended to be the schools that did not take radical steps to change the culture, such
as allowing the principal to pick the team of teachers or change the curriculum. We had less success
trying to change an existing school than helping to create a new school.
Even so, many schools had higher attendance and graduation rates than their peers. While we were
pleased with these improvements, we are trying to raise college-ready graduation rates, and in most
cases, we fell short.
But a few of the schools that we funded achieved something amazing. They replaced schools with low
expectations and low results with ones that have high expectations and high results. These schools
are not selective in whom they admit, and they are overwhelmingly serving kids in poor areas, most
of whose parents did not go to college. Almost all of these schools are charter schools that have sig-
nificantly longer school days than other schools.
I have had a chance to spend time at a number of these schools, including High Tech High in San
Diego and the Knowledge Is Power Program, or “KIPP,” in Houston. There is a wonderful new book
out about KIPP called Work Hard. Be Nice., by the education reporter Jay Mathews. It’s an inspiring
look at how KIPP has accomplished these amazing results and the barriers they faced.
It is invigorating and inspirational to meet with the students and teachers in these schools and hear
about their aspirations. They talk about how the schools they were in before did not challenge them
and how their new school engages all of their abilities. These schools aim to have all of their kids
enter four-year colleges, and many of them achieve that goal with 90 percent to 100 percent of their
students. Every visit energizes me to work to get most high schools to be like this.
These successes and failures have underscored the need to aim high and embrace change in America’s
schools. Our goal as a nation should be to ensure that 80 percent of our students graduate from high
school fully ready to attend college by 2025. This goal will probably be more difficult to achieve than
anything else the foundation works on, because change comes so slowly and is so hard to measure.
2009 AnnuAl letter | 11
12. Unlike scientists developing a vaccine, it is hard to test with sci-
entific certainty what works in schools. If one school’s students
do better than another school’s, how do you determine the exact
cause? But the difficulty of the problem does not make it any less
important to solve. And as the successes show, some schools are
making real progress.
Based on what the foundation has learned so far, we have re-
fined our strategy. We will continue to invest in replicating the
school models that worked the best. Almost all of these schools
are charter schools. Many states have limits on charter schools,
including giving them less funding than other schools. Educa-
tional innovation and overall improvement will go a lot faster if
Administering polio vaccine, Hanoi, Vietnam the charter school limits and funding rules are changed.
One of the key things these schools have done is help their
teachers be more effective in the classroom. It is amazing how
big a difference a great teacher makes versus an ineffective one. Research shows that there is only half
as much variation in student achievement between schools as there is among classrooms in the same
school. If you want your child to get the best education possible, it is actually more important to get
him assigned to a great teacher than to a great school.
Whenever I talk to teachers, it is clear that they want to be great, but they need better tools so they
can measure their progress and keep improving. So our new strategy focuses on learning why some
teachers are so much more effective than others and how best practices can be spread throughout the
education system so that the average quality goes up. We will work with some of the best teachers to
put their lectures online as a model for other teachers and as a resource for students.
Finally, our foundation has learned that graduating from high school is not enough anymore. To
earn enough to raise a family, you need some kind of college degree, whether it’s a certificate or an
associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree. So last year we started making grants to help more students
graduate from college. Our focus will be on helping improve community colleges and reducing the
number of kids who start community college but don’t finish.
Progress on Polio, AIDS, and Malaria
The foundation’s aggressive goals for our health and development work are only realistic because of
the basic scientific advances that have been made recently and continue to be made. Investments
in research and development by large governments and private companies drive this rapid increase
in understanding of medicine and agriculture. The U.S. National Institutes of Health spend about
$30 billion per year on biological research. American pharmaceutical, biotech, and crop science
companies spend an additional $60 billion. Genome sequencing is a great example of how research
by the private and public sectors can benefit the very poor. Scientists, including many funded by the
foundation, are using the data from genomic sequencing to design new drugs and vaccines. Our role
as a foundation is to help make sure the new science is applied to the needs of the poor, because the
marketplace doesn’t respond when buyers have almost no money.
Polio is another good example of what can happen when you take innovations that benefit the rich
world and apply them in the poor world. The book Polio: An American Story, by David Oshinsky, tells
2009 AnnuAl letter | 12
13. the story of how Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s polio raised public
awareness of the disease and made it possible to raise money
for research into a vaccine. The vaccine work was done in the
United States in the 1950s, supported by the March of Dimes.
Polio was eliminated from the United States in 1979.
Because of that success, in 1988 the world adopted a goal of mak-
ing polio the second disease to be eliminated, after smallpox.
The United Nations Fund for Children and the World Health
Organization led the charge. Rotary International has been a
primary supporter of the work, and we wouldn’t be anywhere
on this without their efforts.
Tuberculosis chest X-ray at a
clinic in Andhra Pradesh, India
Many people probably think polio has already been eradicated,
because it gets so little press coverage, especially in rich coun-
tries. But there is still a significant amount of polio in four coun-
tries, with most of the cases coming from India and Nigeria.
Eliminating it will require continued investment. Many people
had hoped that it would be eradicated by now, but it has proven
more difficult than expected. Researchers have learned that in
some parts of India kids need to receive more than eight doses
of the vaccine before they are protected. The government of In-
dia has done a very good job distributing it, but with the limited
power of the vaccine they will have to add some new tactics
and keep up the effort for several more years. Given all of their
health priorities this is not easy. I met with the Indian prime
minister and health minister this past November and feel sure
they will do their part. The picture on the lower left shows a
beautiful and happy 9-month-old girl named Hashmin, whom
I met last year in a slum in New Delhi. She had recently gotten
polio. It was tragic to see the muscles in her legs wasting away.
Now she will never be able to walk normally. When you meet
children like Hashmin, you are reminded why eliminating polio
is so important.
The most difficult place to achieve success will be northern Ni-
geria, where the vaccine is still not being given to enough chil-
dren. In order to convince enough families to participate in the
polio campaign, you need not only dedicated teams that track
down all the children but also a clear message from political,
tribal, and religious leaders that the vaccine is safe and should
be taken. An intense effort is being applied to get all these fac-
tors to come together in northern Nigeria. I’m making a visit
there next month. With a few more years of investment and
hard work the world will have a success with polio, which will
invigorate the whole field of global health.
Polio is a good example of why the foundation needs to be flex-
ible in our strategies and budgets. Last year, Melinda and I met
Hashmin and her mother in New Delhi
2009 AnnuAl letter | 13
14. Chaoyang CDC Clinic, Beijing
with our polio team to get an update on progress against the disease. The team was asking us to ap-
prove the same amount of money we had been spending for years, but they kept talking about the
many challenges of eradicating polio. Melinda and I probed to understand if they were saying that
the world needed to spend more, and whether our leading by example could help make it happen.
They said yes, and within a month they had put together a more aggressive plan that involved us
spending hundreds of millions more and getting other donors to step up as well. We approved the
plan. Rotary International and other donors are doing a great job so far coming up with the extra re-
sources that are needed. Just this month I went to a Rotary meeting and helped announce more than
$600 million in new money from various sources that will go toward eradicating polio. But none of
this would have been possible if we didn’t keep flexibility in our budget and stay open to changing
our approach.
On the AIDS front, you have probably read articles talking about failed trials of vaccines and mi-
crobicides. (A microbicide is a gel that a woman can use to protect herself from getting infected.)
Although these results are setbacks, in each case we are learning and moving ahead with improved
approaches. I am quite hopeful that in the next four to six years we will have either a pill or a mi-
crobicide that people can use to protect themselves temporarily from getting HIV. When used on a
large scale they will dramatically reduce the annual rate of infection, which is currently 2.7 million.
I feel a huge sense of urgency to make sure a pill or microbicide is developed as soon as possible.
There are some great scientists working on this, and I am spending lots of time asking them what
the bottlenecks are and understanding how we can make faster progress. The intensity reminds me
of my time at Microsoft, when we were competing with other companies to make the best database
or word processor. However, in this case the competitor is a virus and all of humanity is on the same
team, wanting to work together to defeat the virus.
2009 AnnuAl letter | 14
15. When we get a vaccine it will be even more impactful than a pill or a microbicide, because a vaccine
will protect people for much longer. But given the complexities involved, even with the great work
being done, it is very likely to be more than 10 years before we have one in widespread use.
To stay alive, people with HIV need to start using anti-retroviral drugs before their immune systems
become weakened, usually within five years of becoming infected. In 2003, only 400,000 people
were being treated, and now some 3 million are. That is a phenomenal increase. The biggest reason
for it is that the United States funded the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and man-
aged the effort very well. In addition the United States, along with a number of other countries, has
funded the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. This is a good example of how scien-
tific innovations, in this case the invention of anti-retroviral drugs, can reach the poorest with help
from governments, foundations, and drug companies. Although less than 5 percent of people with
HIV/AIDS live in rich countries, it was the market demand from these wealthier patients that drove
the large R&D investment in these drugs.
Malaria kills nearly 1 million children per year, but companies and governments have invested very
little in new drugs and vaccines because the disease has been eliminated from rich countries. Malaria
has a fascinating history. Several Nobel prizes were given to scientists who helped us understand key
facts about it—in 1902, 1907, 1927, and 1948. Malaria used to be a serious problem in large parts of
the United States, but it was eliminated here by 1951 by large-scale campaigns to kill the mosquitoes
that transmit the disease.
Fortunately, the past five years have seen a huge increase in the level of interest and investment in
malaria. The foundation can probably take some credit for the increased level of interest in global
health in general and malaria in particular. Bono also deserves a lot of credit for his work through
ONE. I remember talking with him in 2004 about whether we could ever hope to have candidates
discussing these issues during a political campaign. So during the recent U.S. presidential campaign
it was fantastic that both Barack Obama and John McCain spoke out on how they would increase
funding for global health, including specific commitments on malaria. It is also very exciting that
donations from individuals to buy life-saving bed nets have soared.
Malaria is a very tricky disease. The world hoped in the 1950s and 1960s that it could be eliminated
by killing mosquitoes with DDT, but that tactic failed when the mosquitoes evolved to be resistant to
the chemical. Today a number of new tools are being developed—better bed nets, better drugs, bet-
ter insecticides, and a number of vaccine candidates. One of the vaccines will go into the last phase
of human trials this year and could be ready for wide use by 2014. None of these tools is perfect. To
understand how we should combine them, we brought in an expert in mathematical modeling who
is applying a technique called Monte Carlo Simulations. This modeling work, which will show where
we can eliminate malaria and where we can just reduce the disease burden, is a wonderful use of ad-
vanced mathematics to save lives, and if it goes as well as I expect, we will apply it to other diseases.
The malaria community has a goal to reduce deaths by over half by 2015, which is aggressive, but it is
in line with the results in communities where bed nets and other tools have been rolled out.
2009 AnnuAl letter | 15
16. The Role of Foundations
A key question for Melinda and me is, Where are foundations
uniquely suited to causing positive change? Foundations are
not needed in areas where capitalistic market signals work well
and the poorest aren’t left out. If someone told you there was
a foundation looking into what kind of restaurants should be
started and helping them get started, you would rightly wonder
why nonprofit dollars were being spent in that way. Founda-
tions provide something unique when they work on behalf of
the poor, who have no market power, or when they work in ar-
eas like health or education, where the market doesn’t naturally
work toward the right goals and where the innovation requires
With Bill Gates Sr. at the foundation’s offices, Seattle long-term investments. These investments are high-risk and
high-reward. But the reward isn’t measured by financial gain,
it’s measured by the number of lives saved or people lifted out
of poverty.
Foundations are unusual because they don’t have to worry about
being voted out at the next election or board meeting. But I do
not hold them out as a panacea. Another way that running a
foundation is not like running a business is that you don’t have
customers who beat you up when you get things wrong or com-
petitors who work to take those customers away from you. You
don’t have a stock price that goes up and down to tell you how
you’re doing. This lack of a natural feedback loop means that
we as a foundation have to be even more careful in picking our
goals and being honest with ourselves when we are not achiev-
ing them.
We work hard to get lots of feedback. Each of our three divisions
has gotten great people to participate in an advisory panel that
reviews their strategies. In addition, every significant grant is
reviewed by a number of outside experts. And as we execute our
strategies, we need to share what we learn, because the biggest
leverage is in getting many others to adopt best practices. Since
we are in this for the long run, we need to develop credibility by
the strength of our evidence, and by not claiming to know more
than we do.
Every year, Melinda and I want to make sure we are taking a hard
look at where the foundation should get involved and where it
should stay out. In the areas we work in, we want to make sure
the foundation is drawing in other players in the best way we
can. Given the business sector’s broad expertise and resources,
we particularly need to get more of its innovation power focused
on our issues. I have spoken a lot in the past year about “creative
capitalism,” which outlines the incentives and benefits to make
this happen. Next year I hope to have some examples of how this
Cassava processing plant, Karsana, Nigeria has made a difference.
2009 AnnuAl letter | 16
17. The Economic Crisis
The financial market and economic conditions that have devel-
oped this past year are truly unprecedented. I hope two years
from now when I write this letter I can look at this section as a
reflection of something that was short-term and that has passed,
but I think the effects of the crisis will last beyond that.
Warren recently sent me an excerpt from John Maynard
Keynes’ essay “The Great Slump of 1930,” which applies to this
crisis as well:
World Economic Forum, Davos, Switzerland
This is a nightmare, which will pass away with the
morning. For the resources of nature and men’s devices
are just as fertile and productive as they were. The rate
of our progress towards solving the material problems
of life is not less rapid. We are as capable as before of
affording for everyone a high standard of life—high, I
mean, compared with, say, twenty years ago—and will
soon learn to afford a standard higher still. We were
not previously deceived. But today we have involved
ourselves in a colossal muddle, having blundered in
the control of a delicate machine, the working of which
we do not understand. The result is that our possibili-
ties of wealth may run to waste for a time—perhaps for
a long time.
U.S. humanitarian aid, Monrovia, Liberia If you take a longer timeframe, such as five to ten years, I am
very optimistic that these problems will be behind us. A key rea-
son for this is that innovation in every field—from software and
materials science to genetics and energy generation—is moving
forward at a pace that can bring real progress in solving big problems. These innovations will help
improve the world and reinvigorate the world economy.
Looking specifically at the foundation, our assets decreased in value by about 20 percent in 2008. I
never thought I would say losing 20 percent is a reasonable result, but it is better than most endow-
ments because so many asset classes went down by more than 20 percent in 2008. The team led by
Michael Larson that handles the investments has always done a great job. During the past five years,
as the foundation was growing, we spent a bit over 5 percent of its assets each year in addition to the
gift from Warren. There is nothing magic about the 5 percent figure, except that it is the minimum
required by the IRS. Our spending in 2008 was $3.3 billion. In 2009, instead of reducing this amount,
we are choosing to increase it to $3.8 billion, which is about 7 percent of our assets.
Although spending at this level will reduce the assets more quickly, the goal of our foundation is
to make investments whose payback to society is very high rather than to pay out the minimum to
make the endowment last as long as possible.
The global recession and market turmoil are forcing everyone to take a hard look at their plans.
Businesses and consumers are cutting back on spending. The 50-year-long credit expansion that
fueled high spending levels, particularly in the United States, has turned into a credit contraction.
Governments face revenue shortfalls at the same time their citizens need government services more
2009 AnnuAl letter | 17
18. Warren Buffett announcing his pledge to
the foundation, June 2006, New York City
than ever. A great example of this is education. Recent improvements taking place in K–12 educa-
tion could be reversed because of budget cuts. State-funded two-year and four-year colleges will see
record demand but may also face spending cuts. As governments respond to the crisis, they need
to protect these investments even as they spend to stimulate the economy. In the United States only
the federal government can do deficit spending and increase its investment in long-term goals like
education. I am impressed with the way President Obama has talked about the need to do both and
has his team looking at investments that fulfill both goals.
Like education funding, I see foreign aid that is spent wisely as being a smart thing even during these
tough times. I hope the United States and other rich countries will continue to increase their aid,
and when I meet with political leaders I encourage them to do so. The British prime ministers Tony
Blair and Gordon Brown have been great about this. The most generous aid givers in proportion to
the size of their economy are Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands. By this measure the
big European countries are quite a bit more generous than the United States. Most of those that were
not already large donors have increased significantly since the European Union and G-8 made new
commitments in 2005. The current Italian government stands out because it is not only falling short
on the increases but is actually cutting its aid budget. I don’t think this is because Italians care less
about the issues, so I’m hopeful the government will find a way to restore this funding as part of its
policy proposals when it hosts a G-8 summit this year.
Although it will be difficult to keep aid-related issues on the front page during this crisis, we need to
meet the challenge by making sure the success stories are told and making sure that inequity that is
out of sight is not out of mind. Only with broad public awareness and voter interest will we keep aid
on the positive track it needs to stay on.
I am impressed by individuals who continue to give generously even in these difficult times. I believe
that the wealthy have a responsibility to invest in addressing inequity. This is especially true when the
2009 AnnuAl letter | 18
19. Cesar Alvarez (far left), Lee High School, Houston
constraints on others are so great. Otherwise, we will come out of the economic downturn in a world
that is even more unequal, with greater inequities in health and education, and fewer opportunities
for people to improve their lives. There is no reason to accept that, when we know how to make huge
gains over the long term.
The commitment that Melinda and I have made to this work is not dependent on it being easy or
short-term. We can make this commitment because of the amazing people we meet whenever we
travel for the foundation. I want to close this letter with a story about one person we met when we
visited some schools in Texas last year. At Lee High School in Houston, we met a principal named
Cesar Alvarez. Cesar told us about a student who had come to school as a freshman three years be-
fore and was in a gang. He was far behind in school, and he wouldn’t even talk in class. Cesar got very
involved with this student and worked with him every day. Today the student is a senior, on course
to graduate, and planning to go to college. When Cesar came to this part of the story, he broke down
and cried, because he had worked so hard and practically worn himself out for that student.
Melinda and I see this kind of dedication around the world and in every issue the foundation works
on. It inspires us to help people do great work, and we feel very lucky to be able to support them. I
know the foundation will have its share of setbacks. But I feel sure I will have lots of success stories
to share in the years ahead.
Bill Gates
Co-chair, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
January 2009
2009 AnnuAl letter | 19